30 years after its release, the Disney classic continues to reveal secrets to viewers. Some people (re)discover a play on words hidden in the French version of the feature film, precisely at 16 minutes and 25 seconds.
“It’s me Simba, I’m the king, of the animal kingdom. This is the first time we’ve seen a king with so little hair. I’m going to make a triumphant entry into the big leagues, in uttering very royally, a bestial roar.”
If you grew up in the 90s, it is very likely that you know the words of this song by heart, sung by Simba at the beginning of The Lion King, just like all the melodies that populate the famous studio classic. Disney (from Hakuna Matata has Love shines under stars).
However, even though you may have heard these words echoing in a loop on your television for years, perhaps you have never paid attention to the presence of a subtle play on words, hidden in the French version of the film (as recently recalled by the so-called @pete_prk on X).
Play on words
Indeed, at exactly 16 minutes and 25 seconds of the feature film, right in the middle of the song I would already be kingZazu can be heard saying the following words:
“Long live the republic, goodbye Africa, I’m closing the shop, be careful, lion, don’t take the wrong path!”
However, provided the last words of this reply are formulated differently, the meaning of the sentence changes completely. As anyone who often takes the train in Paris has undoubtedly noticed, we can pronounce:
“Take Gare de Lyon, don’t take the wrong way!”
Was this pun deliberately placed here by the adapters of the French version? There is every reason to think so, especially when we know the freedom that was enjoyed by translators of Disney films in the 90s.
(Re)discover all the hidden details of “The Lion King”…